Story by Tichaona Kurewa
INTERNATIONAL tourism buyers participating in the 2025 pre-Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi familiarisation tour have expressed strong interest in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands and pledged to direct more tourist traffic to Manicaland Province.
The ZBC News crew caught up with several buyers from the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Sweden as they toured Mutasa District, exploring the region’s diverse tourism offerings.
The buyers are sampling various attractions and hospitality services as part of the familiarisation initiative. One Swedish buyer revealed that she has already secured bookings for her clients to visit key destinations, including Chimanimani, Nyanga, and Gonarezhou National Park.
“I have been bringing tourists to Zimbabwe for a couple of years, but my focus has always been on Hwange and Victoria Falls. My exposure here has revealed that the Eastern Highlands is a gem. I’ve already booked some of my clients in the region,” the Swedish Buyer said.
“The Eastern Highlands are beautiful. The scenery is excellent, and the people are equally friendly,” a Swedish Buyer noted.
“I’m from Slovakia. The Eastern Highlands stole my heart. I will certainly bring my clients here.” Slovakian Buyer,” added.
Local tourism stakeholders are hopeful that this year’s expo will significantly boost tourism in the region.
“We appreciate the expo being held in our province. This will open opportunities for us. We thank the government for decentralising this expo,” Musangano Lodge General Manager, Mr Leonard Bwanya said.
“This expo is opening the Eastern Highlands to the world. We will do our best to showcase what we have. We are grateful to the government for remembering us,” La Rochelle Country House & SPA General Manager, Mr Regis Muchenje noted.
The familiarisation tours began on September 3rd and will run until the 9th.
Hosting the 2025 Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo in Manicaland is part of a broader strategy to firmly position Destination Zimbabwe on the international tourism map.
